I am searching for a 4:3, ipad-size windows tablet, and I'm not finding much.
So far I found most windows tablets to be 16:9.. since I'm going to do a lot of reading I believe 4:3 is my best bet. A high resolution screen would be favorable, too. iPad specs are ideal.. but I also want to be able to run windows applications. There's the current Samsung slate which offers a lot, but is 16:9.

Then there's the upcoming windows 8 tablets which should at least have a couple of manufacturers that offer 4:3 options. Problem is that I'd ideally want to buy my tablet around the end of September, mid October tops for the start of the new academic year here.

I'd honestly advise you to get a cheap laptop to take you through the first part of the academic year, then get a proper Windows 8 tablet when they appear. This isn't the right time to be buying a Windows tablet.

I'd honestly advise you to get a cheap laptop to take you through the first part of the academic year, then get a proper Windows 8 tablet when they appear. This isn't the right time to be buying a Windows tablet.

I'd honestly advise you to get a cheap laptop to take you through the first part of the academic year, then get a proper Windows 8 tablet when they appear. This isn't the right time to be buying a Windows tablet.

I agree with Harry here. Using Windows without the Metro UI that will come with Windows 8 is really kludgy at best. Even with Windows 8 I am not sure how well it will work since not all of the windows apps necessarily have been updated to work with fingers.

If you need a tablet, think long and hard about how important the windows apps you want to run are and whether there are alternatives for iOS or Android.